European Union to investigate and prosecute member states
European Union (EU) institutions have reached an agreement on rules that will harmonize penalties for violations of sanctions by member states and facilitate the investigation and prosecution of those who violate sanctions.
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The EU Council announced that an agreement has been reached on legislation negotiated between member states and the European Parliament (EP) that will classify the violation of EU sanctions as a criminal offense.
Accordingly, it will be ensured that those who violate EU sanctions or circumvent restrictive measures are prosecuted. Member states will collectively classify specific actions related to sanctions violations as criminal offenses.
TRADE IN WAR MATERIALS WILL CONSTITUTE A CRIME
This scope includes assisting individuals subject to EU restrictive measures in bypassing travel bans, trading in sanctioned goods, conducting transactions with states or entities affected by EU restrictive measures, providing restricted financial services, concealing the funds of those under sanctions, as well as inciting, aiding, and abetting these crimes, all of which will be punishable as criminal offenses.
Furthermore, even if not intentional, the trade of war materials will constitute a crime.
Member states will punish the violation of EU sanctions in an effective, proportionate, and deterrent manner. The business activities of legal entities that violate restrictive measures may be terminated.
The new law will enter into force after being officially approved by EU countries and the EP and published in the Official Journal of the EU.